Scientists say that electrically stimulating a particular region in the brain could help people with injured spinal cords walk more easily.

Axar.az reports that citing AFP, the new technique is intended for people with spinal cord injuries where the connection between their brain and spinal cord has not been totally severed, and who still have some movement in their legs.

Wolfgang Jaeger, one of two patients who took part in an early trial, said that it immediately made a “big difference” to his mobility.

The researchers are surprised to find that the brain region is most responsible for people recovering from spinal cord injuries is in the lateral hypothalamus, which is otherwise known as a regulator for arousal, feeding and motivation.

The research was conducted by a Swiss team that has pioneered several recent advances, including using electrical stimulation of the spinal cord to let several paralyzed patients walk again.

It involves a surgeon implanting electrodes in the brain region, which are connected to a device implanted in the patient’s chest. When switched on, the device sends electrical pulses up to the brain.

The patients could turn on their device whenever they needed, and also went through months of rehab and strength training.

The researchers believe that in the future, the best option for recovering from these kinds of injuries could be stimulating both their spinal cord and lateral hypothalamus.